Post natal depression : Here are some tips to stay away from depression

Post natal depression usually appears in the first few days after delivery and it may last only a few days or for a few weeks.

Causes

Hormonal changes may be one cause of depression after child birth. After delivery, the levels of oestrogen and progesterone drop. The mother experiences a similar change during PMS (premenstrual syndrome).

Exhaustion from strenuous labour, sleeplessness, painful stitches, sore nipples, often give the feeling that she will not be able to cope with motherhood .

Mild depression as a normal part of childbirth and the mother needs to take special care of herself by taking adequate rest, eating a nutritious diet, exercising in moderation and having a social support system.

Tips

Good nutrition helps the body recover from childbirth. A few small meals a day may be more manageable than three larger meals. Choosing healthy snacks, such as fruits and vegetables help in weight control.

The fatigue, emotional upheaval and interruptions a new baby brings can strain even the best of relationships. After the baby’s birth, the partner may feel left out since all the energy is focused on caring for the baby. It is big cause of post natal depression

A nap during the day when the baby is asleep helps. Adequate rest has a major impact on her emotional and physical well being. Babies need well-rested parents to care for them. Accepting assistance from others is sometimes difficult, but she may need to do so to maintain a positive and realistic emotional perspective.

Having easily handled family and work obligations in the past, she may now feel incompetent and overwhelmed with the new responsibilities. Being patient during this transition greatly helps.

Medical help and guidance can be reassuring that there are many others in the same situation. Depending on the nature and severity of the problem, medication by the doctor may help.

Light exercises like taking a brisk walk at a pace that slightly elevates her heart rate. Stretching and flexing while playing and talking to the baby will help tone her muscles and the mood may improve as the body starts feeling better.

Early intervention can lead to a more rapid recovery. Treatment varies according to individual needs. It may include, counseling, anti-depressant medication and hormone therapy.